CITY OF LOCKPORT: Kenan Center welcomes Beck exhibit

Staff Reports
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

January 09, 2009 12:55 am

— The Kenan Center is preparing to showcase more than 50 pieces of art by internationally recognized artist and one-time Lockport resident Raphael Beck.
The exhibition of Beck’s work kicks off Sunday with an opening reception, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Kenan Center.
The show will run through March 1.
Elaine Harrigan, marketing director for the Kenan Center, said this is the largest exhibition of Beck’s works since the center last held an exhibition in 1981.
Beck, who once lived on Willow Street, was born in Lancaster, Penn., in 1858. Throughout his life, he produced many different types of artwork, including paintings and etchings.
He is most famous for his work related to the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo in 1901.
During the Exposition, Beck painted what would be the last portrait of President William McKinley, who was shot by an assassin shortly after Beck sketched him.
Harrigan said the Kenan Center is proud to have so many works by Beck on display.
“Having a solo exhibit that consists of only Beck works is very rare,” she said. “A large number of the works are in galleries or in the hands of collectors. It’s a very complex process of gathering works in one place.”
Beck’s granddaughter, JoHanna Van De Mark, assisted the center in getting the exhibit together. Some of the pieces were loaned to the Kenan Center by the Niagara County Historical Society and the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society.
“It's very unique and a rare opportunity for these works to be in the show,” Harrigan said. “It's a very large show, and it really covers the full gamut of his painting career.”
For more information, call the Kenan Center at 433-2617.